Q 1, 2: I read in the book of Al-`Aqidah Al-Tahawiyyah that scholars have three opinions regarding reciting Qur'an for the deceased beside his grave. Some of them hold such a practice as Makruh (disliked), some others consider it as Mustahab (desirable), while other scholars believe that there is nothing wrong with it being done at the time of burial. However, we can not find any proof either from the Qur'an or the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) concerning this issue. We enquired many times about it but we could not get any explicit scholarly answer until now. Most of the people recite Qur'an at the graves and especially read Surah (Qur'anic chapter) Ya-Sin when placing the deceased into the grave; is this valid? Please provide us with a detailed answer and convincing proofs so that we will be able to answer whoever asks us regarding this issue.What is the opinion of your Eminence concerning whoever says: "Al-Fatihah Li-l-Naby i.e. Recite Al-Fatihah on behalf of the Prophet". Moreover, what is your opinion regarding reciting Al-Fatihah on behalf of the Awliya' (pious people)? The form we always hear from the majority of people is: Recite Al-Fatihah for the Messenger of Allah that He may grant us His Blessings, protect us against all evils, and take Satan away from us. Please provide us with a perfect answer for there are many sayings regarding this practice. While some people say it is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion), (Part No. 9; Page No. 52) others say that the Messenger (peace be upon him) is not in need of its reward. Please tell us what is the ruling on this so that we may follow the Straight Path that has no deviations.May Allah reward you with the best.

A: Reciting the Qur'an on behalf of the dead (whether Messengers, Awliya', etc.) before or after burial is not permissible because this practice is a form of `Ibadah (worship) and `Ibadahs are based on Tawqif (a religious text and not personal opinion). Moreover, there is no evidence for its validity. On the other hand, it is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: Anyone who does an action which is not stated in this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. He (peace be upon him) also said: Observe some of your Prayers in your houses and do not make them like graves, for verily Satan flees from a house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih 'authentic' Book of Hadith). The second Hadith signifies that graves are not places for offering Salah (Prayer) or reciting Qur'an. (Part No. 9; Page No. 53) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.